Firstly, let me just congratulate all of the winners of The Running Bug awards 2011 and especially RespectTheStupidity and Westie for their well earned wins. I was shocked enough to even be nominated, let alone make the final shortlists. Thanks to all those who did nominate and/or vote for me, it is much appreciated. From reading the various forums and blogs one thing is evident - we have a great running community here with a lot of people who are happy to give of their time and advice and I for one appreciate it. Long may it continue and here's to a successful 2012 for all Running bug(gers!)... doh! I knew that phrase would resurface soon!
It's the 14th of January tomorrow, coincidentally my wife's birthday. Happy birthday Mrs Mackintosh :o) I hope you have a cracking day and let me just promise - no long runs for me tomorrow!
The 14th also sees us coming up to the half way mark in January, 'traditionally' a time when the steely resolve of all those new year resolutions starts to wane.
It's a time when all the best intentions may be challenged by work, weather, family, etc.
For anyone who has still to discover their running mojo in 2012, or who has missed a planned session, or even just thought about skipping a session, let me offer you these thoughts.
Back at the end of December in the final days of my 61 consecutive days of running challenge, there was one morning that I just could not find my motivation. I followed the same pre run breakfast ritual of porridge and coffee as always. However, on this particular day I found myself in no rush to get showered, kitted up and out the door. I turned my attentions to reading the news online and, at this point, found myself reading about a video that had gone viral. The video, set to the Gary Jules version of the Mad World song, was of a young boy, Ben Breedlove, who, through the use of notes written on cards, told his story. he spent his life battling hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a deteriorating condition that causes a thickening of the heart muscle, leading to cardiac arrest. He died at Christmas, aged only 18.
The moving video and story can be found on a huge number of sites.
On that particular morning, I logged off and kitted up. I ran 10 miles, thinking about Ben most of the way. It wasn't the best run. It was cold, windy and icy underfoot. None of that mattered. I was out, despite my earlier reticence and I appreciated that run regardless of the far from perfect conditions.
You just need to read or watch the news to see many more examples of this kind of injustice, where a life has been cut short far too young.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of incentive to get out and run, just consider all those who, for one reason or another, cannot run. Once you are out the door and running, I challenge you to regret that you did it. I can't honestly ever recall coming back from a run wishing that I had not gone out, regardless of how tough it was, how bad the weather was, how stiff the muscles felt etc. etc.
At the end of the day, running is far from the most important thing in the world (An early birthday present for Mrs Mackintosh - you have that in writing now!). However, as far as hobbies go, it's a fantastic one and, if you are reading this now, the chances are that you share a love of running with me. It's a great way to stay healthy, to lose weight, to be sociable with other runners, to give yourself goals... the list goes on!
Chances are things WILL get in the way of your running, and sometimes those things will even be YOU, on those occasions when you just can't bring yourself to kit up and get out there.
Be sure to appreciate your running when you do make it out, even the tough sessions or the ones that seem bad at the time. When faced with a potential 'obstacle' all you need to do is remember a single word - perspective.
Perspective will hopefully show you that your obstacles and problems are not actually that bad and, in doing so, may help you get out the door for that run.
If you are anything like me then having a goal will benefit your running. It might be a 5k, 10k, 1/2, marathon or even an ultra. Regardless of the distance, the very fact that you have a goal might just make it that bit easier to get out the door and run. It will give you direction, something to aim for. If you don't currently have a goal in mind then why not take the opportunity to set one. It really will help.
Excellent post! I'm training for a marathon and this week have just felt so urgh and sluggish that I've been a bit slow in getting started but it's all in a bit more perspective now. The sofa can wait til it's been earnt and I realise I should just be grateful for being able to.
Thanks for the comment Genie. That's a great attitude. Relaxing on the sofa feels so much better when it has been well earned and all the more so at this time of year with that warm but tingly cold feeling that comes from running in the cold (I hope that makes sense otherwise it sounds a bit nuts lol!). Good luck with the training :o)
Great post Jon I needed your blog this morning, I do far too much sitting on the pc chair planning and very little doing :( After reading your blog I will have a new perspective and the only thing stopping me is 'ME' but the new me will be running swimming and cycling for everyone else who can't, thank you Muts x
Thanks Mutley, that's great :o) When I read over the post again I wondered if it read as me trying to preach but that's not the intention at all. It's all about making the most of the opportunities we have, for as long as we have them. I had a brief run this morning, one of those 'so glad I did' runs. It was freezing but the colours were beautiful and the highlight was seeing three red squirrels chasing each other all over the place. Off to enjoy the rest of the day with Mrs Mack, just as soon as I have thawed the knees out :o)
Dead on Jon. My sons friend (fit 22 year old) died during a football game last week. Well liked, sporty, intelligent young man. Perspective altering event.
As you know I have an Ultra planned.
Goals are essential. Running is life affirming. BUT wife and family are the anchors which keep one sane and happy.
Thanks for the comment slabhappy. Sorry to hear that, shocking news and just the kind of thing that puts life into perspective. Your comment is spot on. My wife is definitely my anchor and hopefully some mini macs will follow! Good luck with the training. See you at the Clyde Stride.
Great post, as ever.
The pointlessness of running often puts things into perspective, and if you keep running it also helps keep things in perspective.
Thanks RTS, and correct on both counts with regard to perspective.
Great timing with the blog Jon. After tragic events in my family at the New Year my year is doing exactly as the your title suggests: I will be running because I can and for those who can't. No matter what discomfort and obstacles I encounter during 2012 somebody else's pain, physical or otherwise, will always be greater. I expect we'll meet at an event soon.
Sorry to hear your news UltraDad. Hopefully catch up with you at an event in the not too distant future.